Ildefonso thrilled to begin new chapter of PBA career with Blackwater

MANILA, Philippines – Former two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso feels like a rookie again.

Moments after learning that he was picked by expansion team Blackwater Elite as the top overall pick of the PBA Dispersal Draft, Ildefonso is excited to open a new chapter in his career.

"Masaya ako at natupad yung hiling ko na makapaglaro pa at napunta pa ako sa team na gusto ako at kailangan ako. After 16 years, nakuha ulit ako as top pick," Ildefonso told Philstar.com.

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The 1998 No. 1 overall pick is hoping to revive his career, which hit rock bottom last season after a bitter parting with the San Miguel/Petron franchise. He averaged career lows of 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in only 12.3 minutes of playing time with the Bolts last season.

But things are about to change.

Blackwater Elite coach Leo Isaac said that Ildefonso was the only player they had in mind as their top choice once they saw his name in the dispersal list.

"Masayang masaya kami na nakuha namin siya. He's on top of our list," Isaac told Philstar.com right after the draft proceedings at Tito Chef Restaurant in Microtel-Libis on Friday.

Isaac looks at Ildefonso as the centerpiece of the team in Blackwater's maiden campaign.

"If given more opportunities, maybe we can still see the best of Danny I. We are going to get players that suits Ildefonso's style and we're hoping they will all get in the same page," Isaac told Philstar.com right after the draft proceedings at Tito Chef Restaurant in Microtel-Libis on Friday.

Ildefonso looks forward to the challenge of proving himself once again.

"Nasa akin na yun kung paano ako magre-respond. Gusto ko ma-inspire ko ang mga kakampi ko and at the same time makapagturo sa mga bata," Ildefonso said.

Blackwater is expected to meet Ildefonso and its other picks on Monday.